Dispensing device for dental materials with volume flow measuring device

Abstract

Dispensing device for dispensing a dental material, in particular a dental impression material, from a cartridge system (1, 51), the dispensing device comprising a motor (5, 55), in particular a stepper motor, the dispensing device further comprising a holder (6, 56) for mounting a cartridge system (1, 51), a motor control (7, 57), an actuator (8) and a volume flow measuring device for determining a volume flow of a dental material dispensed from the dispensing device, wherein the actuator (8) can drive at least one discharge piston (3, 53, 58) of a cartridge system (1, 51) mounted in the dispensing device by the holder (6, 56), wherein the actuator (8) can be driven by the motor (5, 55) or a mechanically transmitted drive of the actuator (8) can be supported by the motor (5, 55), wherein the volume flow measuring device at least has a sensor (9, 11, 59, 61), wherein at least one sensor (9, 11, 59,61) is connected to a processor (10) for evaluating measurement signals from the at least one sensor (9, 11, 59, 61), wherein the processor (10) is connected to the motor control (7, 57), and wherein the processor (10) is designed or programmed for evaluating the measurement signals such that the volume flow of the dental material pressed out of the cartridge system (1, 51) by driving the at least one discharge piston (3, 53, 58) can be determined.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a dispensing device for dental materials, in particular for dental impression materials, and to a method for dispensing a dental material, in particular a dental impression material, from a cartridge system using a dispensing device.

[0002] Modern dental impression materials are predominantly offered in cartridge systems, especially two-component cartridges, which are dispensed and mixed mechanically or electrically using a dispensing device. Such handheld dispensing devices are known, for example, from WO 2017 / 207188 A1 and EP 3 718 501 A1. A single-chamber cartridge for self-curing or moisture-curing materials, such as those used for sealing in construction, is known from US 5,909,830 A. Pneumatic or electrically driven dispensing devices are also commercially available for such purposes. However, these are not readily suitable for dispensing dental impression materials.

[0003] For the direct application of dental impression materials in the patient's mouth, smaller two-component cartridges with two chambers and a capacity of 5 ml to 100 ml have become established. A dispensing device for cartridge systems with such small volumes is known, for example, from US 2018 / 0250103 A1. However, there are also smaller, serially arranged cartridges with a volume of less than 5 ml. The dental impression material is placed in a dispensing device, also called a "dispensing gun," and mechanically conveyed via a rack and pinion actuator that acts on dispensing pistons in the cartridge. The mixer is designed to be static.

[0004] These cartridges and cartridge systems are used for low-viscosity to high-viscosity materials (types 1 to 3 according to DIN ISO 4823:2015, publication date 2015-08). The higher viscosity impression materials (type 1) place a heavy burden on the user due to high dispensing forces.

[0005] A mold for the localized application of a dental impression material is known from WO 2017 / 048918 A1. An impression tray that allows for assignment to a specific patient is known from EP 3 037 059 A1. US 2010 / 0075273 A1 discloses another mold for receiving a dental impression material for the purpose of taking an impression in a patient's oral cavity.

[0006] Generic electric dispensing devices, also known as dispensing units, are known from US 2009 / 0 279 382 A1, US 2015 / 0 157 429 A1, and DE 20 2006 006 147 U1. Such dispensing devices may have a stand and mix and dispense primarily dental materials from larger cartridges with, for example, a total capacity of 350 ml to 400 ml. They are usually used in a stationary setup. Dental impression materials dispensed by such devices are used to fill dental impression trays, which are then used to take impressions in a patient's mouth. Dispensing devices may also include a mixer, which can also be electrically driven.

[0007] When filling a dental impression tray using a dispensing device with an integrated mixer and cartridge systems with large 380 ml cartridges, the user operates a dispensing button or control element on the device and fills a suitable dental impression tray. The user estimates the amount of impression material required. By pressing the dispensing button or control element, the device dispenses the dental material for as long as the button or control element is pressed. The dental impression tray must be tilted under the dispensing device's outlet opening to ensure all areas of the tray are filled. This manual process requires both hands. With a wide variety of impression trays, this process demands routine and concentration.

[0008] Dental impression trays are available in various sizes to suit the different oral situations of various patients, so filling them requires a certain level of experience from the user. In the worst case, the dental impression tray is underfilled, and the resulting dental impression is incomplete. The process then has to be repeated. However, overfilling the dental impression tray can also lead to problems, as the excess impression material can enter the throat and cause the patient to gag. Besides the discomfort, this can also lead to the impression being interrupted and the impression material being lost.

[0009] One object of the invention is to overcome at least a partial disadvantage or disadvantages of the prior art. One of the objectives may be to simplify the use of the dispensing device for the user. Simplification in this context can be seen in enabling further automation of the dispensing of pressed dental material. In particular, an objective of the invention is to provide the user with the correct fill quantity of dental impression material for specified impression trays by means of a programmed or programmable delivery rate.

[0010] The objects of the invention are at least partially solved by a dispensing device for dispensing a dental material, in particular a dental impression material, from a cartridge system, the dispensing device comprising a motor, in particular a stepper motor, the dispensing device further comprising a holder for mounting a cartridge system, a motor control, an actuator and a volume flow measuring device for determining a volume flow of a dental material dispensed from the dispensing device, wherein at least one discharge piston of a cartridge system mounted in the dispensing device with the holder can be driven by the actuator, wherein the actuator can be driven by the motor or mechanically transmitted driving of the actuator can be supported by the motor, wherein the volume flow measuring device comprises at least one sensor.wherein the at least one sensor is connected to a processor for evaluating measurement signals from the at least one sensor, wherein the processor is connected to the motor control, and wherein the processor is designed or programmed for evaluating the measurement signals in such a way that the volume flow of the dental material pressed out of the cartridge system by advancing the at least one discharge piston can be determined.

[0011] The dental material can be an impression material, a dental adhesive, or a dental cement. A dental impression material is particularly preferred.

[0012] It may be intended that the dental material is a viscous dental material, in particular a highly viscous dental material.

[0013] The holder for attaching the cartridge system in the dispensing device should be able to secure or fix the cartridge system in the dispensing device in such a way that at least one dispensing piston in at least one cartridge of the cartridge system can be driven forward by the actuator in the direction of at least one outlet opening of the cartridge.

[0014] The cartridge system preferably comprises at least one cartridge with a cylindrical interior, wherein a discharge piston is arranged in the at least one interior of the at least one cartridge, which is movably mounted in the direction of a cylinder axis of symmetry of the at least one interior, wherein at least one opening for dispensing the contents of the at least one cartridge is arranged at one end of the cartridge, and wherein the dental material or starting components of the dental material are contained between the opening for dispensing and the at least one discharge piston.

[0015] The cartridge system preferably comprises two adjacent cartridges, each with a cylindrical interior. Each of the two cartridges contains a discharge piston, which is movably mounted along a cylindrical axis of symmetry within its respective interior. At least one opening for dispensing the contents of each cartridge is located at one end of each cartridge. The starting components for producing the dental material are located between the dispensing opening and the discharge piston. By driving the discharge pistons forward with the actuator, the starting components are expelled from the two cartridges and mixed together within the dispensing device, thereby producing the dental material.For this purpose, the dispensing device can include a mixer, in particular a static mixer, through which the output components are forced by the pressure on the discharge pistons. After mixing, the dental material is discharged from the dispensing device. The energy required for this is supplied by the motor of the dispensing device, which drives the actuator.

[0016] In a cartridge system with only one cartridge, the motor of the dispensing device also provides the necessary energy to expel the dental material from the cartridge.

[0017] It may be provided that at least two starting components for the production of the dental material are contained or stored in the cartridge system, and that the dispensing device is designed to mix the at least two starting components together within the dispensing device. The mixing of the at least two starting components can be driven or driven by the actuator.

[0018] The volumetric flow meter is a device used to determine the volumetric flow rate or volume of dental material dispensed from the dispensing device. This is achieved by evaluating a measurement signal from at least one sensor using the processor. The volumetric flow meter can determine either the volume of dental material dispensed from the dispensing device over a specific period or the volumetric flow rate of the dental material dispensed from the dispensing device. The dispensed volume can be calculated from the volumetric flow rate over time (e.g., integrally). Conversely, the volumetric flow rate can also be calculated from the sequence of dispensed volumes over time. The processor and motor control unit can be integrated as a single control system.

[0019] Volume flow refers to the squeezing out of a volume in a specific unit of time, or the volume squeezed per unit of time.

[0020] According to the invention, an actuator is understood to be a part of the dispensing device with which a linear thrust can be effected at least one discharge piston or the at least one discharge piston of the cartridge system. The actuator can preferably be a linearly thrusting plunger or a linearly thrusting strand or pairs thereof. However, other actuators are also conceivable, such as a chain link.

[0021] The motor can be connected to the actuator directly or indirectly.

[0022] The motor is preferably a stepper motor. The sensor, or one of the sensors of the at least one sensor, is preferably a stepper motor step counter.

[0023] The fact that the motor can support mechanically transmitted drive of the actuator means that part of the force required to propel the actuator is provided by the motor. For example, the actuator can be driven simultaneously manually and by the motor by manually operating a lever, crank, or similar device. The force applied by the user propels the actuator, while the motor simultaneously provides the remaining force necessary for propulsion.

[0024] According to the invention, it can be provided that the at least one sensor is or comprises a volume flow sensor, a step counter for determining the number of revolutions of the motor, in particular a step counter for determining the number of steps of the stepper motor, and / or a position sensor for determining the position of the at least one discharge piston and / or the actuator relative to the holder for attaching the cartridge system.wherein the extruded volume of the dental material can be determined by measuring the volume flow rate of the dental material with the volume flow sensor and / or by determining the number of revolutions of the motor or the steps of the stepper motor and a known volume of the extruded dental material per revolution of the motor or per step of the stepper motor and / or by determining the position of the at least one discharge piston and / or the actuator and a known volume of the extruded dental material per unit length of the position of the at least one discharge piston and / or the actuator relative to the holder.

[0025] Each of these measures allows the determination and implementation of the volume of the extruded dental material in a simple and reproducible manner.

[0026] A flow sensor can be, for example, a paddle wheel flow meter or a rotating (and optionally motor-driven) screw conveyor of a mixer, which is preferably located within a mixing device for mixing the raw components of the dental material. A position sensor can be, for example, a potentiometric measuring arrangement in which an electrical resistance is measured as a function of a protruding section of the actuator. Other methods for determining the flow rate are generally known to those skilled in the art.

[0027] The fact that the position of at least one discharge piston and / or actuator and a known volume of the pressed-out dental material per unit length relative to the holder can be determined does not mean that these measurements must be taken directly at the holder. Any other part of the dispensing device that is arranged in a defined and known spatial relationship to the holder can be used for the measurement.

[0028] Furthermore, it may be provided that the dispensing device has a volume flow controller, wherein the volume flow controller is connected to the volume flow measuring device and the motor control, and wherein a volume of dental material to be dispensed from the dispensing device can be regulated and / or adjusted with the volume flow controller, and / or a volume flow of the dental material dispensed from the dispensing device can be regulated and / or adjusted with the volume flow controller.

[0029] This allows the dispensing device to set and dispense a specific flow rate or volume of dental material pressed out of the cartridge system.

[0030] Furthermore, it may be provided that the dispensing device has an electronic memory and an input device, wherein several different volumes can be selected via the input device and, with the aid of the motor control, the selected volumes can be dispensed fully automatically with the dispensing device from a cartridge system attached to the holder in the dispensing device.

[0031] This further simplifies the use of the dispensing device for the user.

[0032] The input device should be manually operable. The entire discharge device should not be fully manually operable, as the actuator is motor-driven or at least motor-assisted. The input device should be operable manually.

[0033] To retrieve stored volumes of the dental material to be squeezed out, the input device and / or the processor can be connected to the electronic memory, and the electronic memory and / or the input device can be connected to the processor and / or the motor control.

[0034] In dispensing devices with an input device, it may be provided that, via an input at the input device, a volume flow or measured time-dependent volume flow profile of the dental material, previously dispensed with the device using individual and manual settings and measured with the volume flow measuring device, can be stored in the electronic memory, and subsequently this volume and / or the required volume flow of the dental material and / or its time-dependent profile and the required time-dependent control of the motor can be retrieved from the electronic memory via the input device and reproduced with the dispensing device.

[0035] This also allows individual settings and processes to be saved with the dispensing device and retrieved later.

[0036] Furthermore, it may be provided that the several different volumes that can be selected via the input device are identifiable at the input device by means of a marking of a container to be filled with the dental material, in particular by means of a numbering and / or letter identification of the container to be filled with the dental material, so that the input is uniquely assigned to a container with a suitable volume to hold the dental material.

[0037] It may be preferable that the container is an impression tray and the dental material is a dental impression compound.

[0038] This makes it easy for the user to identify the program assigned to the pressing device and the corresponding container, thus further facilitating successful operation and use of the pressing device.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment, the dispensing device may include a residual quantity indicator and a residual quantity calculation module, wherein the residual quantity calculation module is connected to the volume flow measuring device and wherein the residual quantity calculation module is programmed to determine, store, or read the volume of dental material producible with the cartridge system mounted in the holder when fully filled, or wherein this volume can be defined by an input, and subtracts the volume previously produced with this cartridge system from this producible volume in order to calculate a residual quantity, wherein the residual quantity calculated by the residual quantity calculation module can be displayed on the residual quantity indicator.

[0040] It may be provided that the residual quantity calculation module is programmed in such a way that, in the case of a small calculated residual quantity, it selects a suitable container, in particular a dental impression tray, with a receiving volume matching the remaining residual quantity and suggests the appropriate container on the residual quantity display.

[0041] It may also be provided that the residual quantity calculation module is programmed in such a way that, if a volume to be dispensed is selected which, according to the calculated residual quantity, is no longer contained in the attached cartridge system or can be produced with it, a corresponding message is displayed on the residual quantity display, in particular a request to change the cartridge system, and / or a maximum available volume of the dental material.

[0042] In this way, the user can immediately see whether the next volume of dental material to be dispensed can still be dispensed with the already opened cartridge system attached to the dispensing device, or whether a new or unused cartridge system must or should be used.

[0043] Furthermore, the dispensing device may include a scanner for reading an identifier of the cartridge system attached to the holder or an identification sensor for identifying the cartridge system attached to the holder, wherein preferably the identifier read by the scanner or the identification determined by the identification sensor can be transferred to the processor or to the residual quantity calculation module for identifying the contents of the cartridge system and / or the volume of dental material that can be produced with the cartridge system.

[0044] This further simplifies the use of the dispensing device.

[0045] For example, and preferably according to the invention, an RFID reader can be used as an identification sensor, which reads an RFID chip of the cartridge system. Alternatively, the identification sensor can also determine the length and / or diameter of two cartridges of the cartridge system and derive suitable information from this.

[0046] Additional information regarding the contents of the cartridge system can be transmitted via an RFID chip, a QR code, or a hologram. This information, such as the expiration date and / or the composition of the cartridge contents, can then be processed and used by the dispensing device. The present invention may provide that, upon detection of an expired expiration date and / or the presence of an undesirable content, dispensing is prevented or at least a corresponding warning message is sent to the user.

[0047] It may be provided that at least one plate is attached to a front side of the actuator, with which at least one discharge piston of the cartridge system is to be pressed into the at least one cartridge of the cartridge system.

[0048] Furthermore, the dispensing device may be suitable for dispensing cartridge systems for dental impression materials, in particular two-component cartridges for dental impression materials, wherein the cartridge system preferably provides a volume between 100 ml and 1000 ml of the dental impression material, more preferably a volume between 250 ml and 600 ml of the dental impression material, and most preferably a volume between 300 ml and 500 ml of the dental impression material.

[0049] This allows dental impression materials to be dispensed in the desired quantities using the dispensing device.

[0050] The cartridge system can preferably be part of the dispensing device according to the invention, in particular a replaceable part of the dispensing device according to the invention.

[0051] It may also be provided that the dispensing device is suitable at least for dispensing cartridge systems for dental impression materials of type 1 and / or type 2 according to DIN ISO 4823:2015.

[0052] This allows commercially available dental impression materials to be dispensed in the desired quantities using the dispensing device.

[0053] It may be provided that the dispensing device has a reader for reading an identifier of a container, in particular a dental impression tray, wherein the reader is connected to the processor and the processor is programmed in such a way that, depending on the container detected by the reader, in particular the detected dental impression tray, a volume, volume flow and / or time profile of the volume flow suitable for the detected container, in particular the detected dental impression tray, can be selected and made available by appropriate control of the motor.

[0054] This further simplifies the use of the dispensing device.

[0055] According to the invention, the dispensing device can also include a reader for reading an identifier of the container or dental impression tray. This further reduces operating errors. The reader can be a scanner, a hologram scanner, a barcode scanner, a QR code scanner, or an RFID tag reader. Each container or impression tray can be marked with a machine-readable inscription, a hologram, a barcode, a QR code, or an RFID chip, allowing for unambiguous assignment to a specific flow rate, volume, or flow rate profile. Such a reader can be provided as part of an input device, or instead of or in addition to an input device.When the container or dental impression tray approaches and is successfully detected by the reader, the appropriate volume, flow rate, or program can already be suggested, which the user then only needs to activate or confirm.

[0056] The problems underlying the present invention are at least partially solved by a method for dispensing a dental material, in particular a dental impression material, from a cartridge system using a dispensing device, characterized by the steps A) Securing the cartridge system in the dispensing device, B) Driving an actuator of the dispensing device with a motor, wherein the actuator drives at least one discharge piston of the cartridge system in at least one cartridge of the cartridge system, C) Extruding a dental material or of starting components of the dental material from the cartridge system by advancing the at least one dispensing piston in the at least one cartridge, wherein the dental material is extruded from the at least one cartridge or is produced by mixing the starting components from the at least one cartridge and extruded, D) Measuring the volume flow rate of the dental material pressed out with the dispensing device and determining the volume of dental material pressed out with the dispensing device, and E) Terminating the operation of the actuator of the dispensing device upon reaching a target volume of the dispensed dental material and / or controlling the volume flow of the dispensed dental material to set a target volume flow of the dispensed dental material or to set a desired time profile of the volume flow of the dispensed dental material.

[0057] Preferably, the procedure is not intended to be a procedure for treating a human or animal body.

[0058] The target volume can be adjusted to account for an offset, compensating for residual flow of dental material after the actuator has stopped moving. Such residual flow can occur particularly with viscous and highly viscous dental materials because the components of the cartridge system and the dispensing device can deform elastically, allowing dental material to flow in during retraction.

[0059] In the methods according to the invention, it may preferably be provided that the method is carried out with a pressing device described previously or herein.

[0060] The method then exhibits the advantages achievable with the device and those mentioned above.

[0061] In the methods according to the invention, it can also be provided that the target volume and / or the target volume flow and / or the desired temporal profile of the volume flow is or are determined and defined by prior dispensing of dental material with manual settings and measurement of the volume flow and / or the volume, wherein preferably the target volume and / or the target volume flow and / or the desired temporal profile of the volume flow is or are stored in an electronic memory in a retrievable manner, wherein particularly preferably the temporal sequence of the dispensing process is additionally stored in the electronic memory.

[0062] This also allows individual settings and processes to be saved with the dispensing device and retrieved later.

[0063] Furthermore, it may be provided that the target volume is selected from a plurality of previously stored target volumes, preferably selected to match a plurality of vessels for receiving the dental material.

[0064] It may also be provided that the target volume flow is selected from a plurality of previously stored target volume flows, preferably selected to match a plurality of vessels for receiving the dental material.

[0065] Furthermore, it may be provided that the desired temporal sequence of the volume flow is selected from a plurality of previously stored temporal sequences of volume flows, preferably selected to match a plurality of vessels for receiving the dental material.

[0066] This simplifies the application of the procedure.

[0067] Preferably, it can be provided that the volume of dental material dispensed by the dispensing device, determined by measuring the volume flow and / or the volume and / or the time course of the volume flow, is mathematically subtracted from a known residual quantity of the available dental material that can be dispensed from the cartridge system attached to the dispensing device, and the remaining residual quantity is displayed on a screen and / or taken into account in a subsequent dispensing process such that the dispensing process is only started if a sufficient residual quantity for the volume of dental material to be dispensed is available in the cartridge system; otherwise, a warning or a prompt to change the cartridge system is displayed.

[0068] In this way, the user can immediately see whether the next volume of dental material to be dispensed can still be dispensed with the already opened cartridge system, or whether a fresh cartridge system needs to be inserted.

[0069] Furthermore, the dispensing device may also include a scanner for reading an identifier of the cartridge system mounted in the holder or an identification sensor for identifying the cartridge system mounted in the holder, wherein the identifier of the cartridge system is read by the scanner or the identification of the cartridge system is determined with the identification sensor, and subsequently the identifier or the identification is used to identify the contents of the cartridge system and / or the volume of dental material that can be produced with the cartridge system, wherein preferably the identifier or the identification is taken into account during the dispensing process, at the start of the dispensing process, and / or when calculating the remaining quantity available in the cartridge system.

[0070] This further simplifies the use of the dispensing device and increases user comfort.

[0071] It may also be provided that a reader of the dispensing device detects or identifies the container to be filled, in particular the dental impression tray to be filled, and that a volume, flow rate and / or time profile of the flow rate of the dental material, in particular the dental impression material, suitable for the volume of the container, in particular the impression tray, is selected or suggested and confirmed via an input device.

[0072] This further simplifies the process for the user.

[0073] It may further be provided that the dispensing device has a reading device for reading a machine-readable identifier of a vessel, in particular a dental impression tray, wherein the identifier is read and subsequently the identifier is used to identify the vessel, in particular a shape or volume of a cavity of the dental impression tray as the vessel, wherein the target volume, the volume flow and / or the time course of the volume flow of the dental material is set or controlled depending on the identifier of the vessel.

[0074] This prevents incorrect operation of the dispensing device and further simplifies the implementation of the inventive method.

[0075] The problems underlying the present invention are at least partially solved by a dental impression tray for receiving a dental impression material, the dental impression tray having a handle for holding the dental impression tray and a cavity for receiving the dental impression material, wherein the dental impression tray has a machine-readable identifier, the machine-readable identifier containing information from which the geometric shape, volume, length and / or width of the cavity can be read.

[0076] Preferably, the machine-readable identifier may be arranged on an outwardly facing surface of the dental impression tray, preferably on a side of the surface of the impression tray opposite the handle.

[0077] It may be provided that the machine-readable identifier is a hologram, a barcode, a QR code, a machine-readable inscription, a graphic imprint, a machine-readable sticker or an RFID chip, preferably a hologram, a barcode, a QR code, or an RFID chip.

[0078] It is intended that the machine-readable identifier contains information from which the geometric shape, volume, length and / or width of the cavity can be read.

[0079] This allows for a clear assignment and the automated use of the impression trays can be implemented.

[0080] According to the invention, a plurality of dental impression trays can also be provided, in which each dental impression tray has a different machine-readable identifier that allows recognition of the shape and / or volume of the cavity.

[0081] The problems underlying the present invention are at least partially solved by a system for taking an impression with a dental impression material comprising a previously described dispensing device with a reading device for reading an identifier of a container, in particular a dental impression tray, and comprising at least one previously described dental impression tray or the previously described plurality of dental impression trays.

[0082] The invention is based on the surprising finding that by using a volumetric flow meter, which incorporates a processor to determine the volumetric flow rate dispensed from the cartridge system, the application of the dispensing device can be simplified for the user. This simplifies the process, enabling automated and standardized filling of containers such as dental impression trays. Furthermore, it allows the user to display the remaining quantity of dental material that can still be dispensed. As a result, the application of the dispensing device requires less concentration and dexterity, and the user can see at a glance whether a sufficient quantity of dental material can still be dispensed with the cartridge system. These measures improve the user-friendliness of the dispensing device.At the same time, unnecessary waste of dental material due to overfilling or repeated filling of the dental material due to incorrect operation is prevented.

[0083] According to the invention, the dispensing volume per button press or per operation can be controlled by a control program in the processor or motor control of the dispensing device. This program determines the actuator's feed rate and thus the movement of the dispensing pistons (or at least one dispensing piston) in the cartridges (or cartridge) of the cartridge system per operation, and therefore the dispensed volume of dental material. For example, the user presses a program button "1", and 55 ml of dental impression material is dispensed into the dental impression tray. The dispensing volume is preferably already calibrated to the dental impression tray being used and selected. The dental impression tray may, for example, have a marking with the number "1" or a suitable sequence of characters for precise and quick identification.The spoon assortment is numbered, and for each number there are corresponding conveying programs in the dispensing device that are tailored to the spoon's contents.

[0084] Instead of a marking with a number or a string of characters, an identifier with a hologram, a QR code, a barcode or a readable RFID chip can also be provided, which is read or read by a reader of the dispensing device, and the allocation of the volume of the dental impression material is carried out accordingly.

[0085] With a preferred continuing education function, the dispensing device records or stores the dispensed quantity, totals it, and calculates the remaining amount of dental material available. During the emptying process, for example, an impression tray can be suggested that can still be filled with the remaining amount of dental material in the cartridge system.

[0086] Preferably, at least one additional button can be freely programmed by the user. This allows the quantity (volume) and / or duration and / or timing of the dispensing to be individually set and defined using a program. This also allows dental impression trays outside of the user's own numbered product range to be programmed.

[0087] An advantage of the solution according to the invention is that even inexperienced users can fill the dental impression trays to the ideal size.

[0088] In addition, less waste of dental material is produced.

[0089] Furthermore, according to the invention, better utilization of residual quantities when filling the last dental impression tray is made possible by quantity display and programmatic selection of a suitable dental impression tray as a container for receiving the dental material.

[0090] Further embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to two schematically represented figures, without, however, limiting the invention. These figures show: Fig. 1: A schematic cross-sectional view of a dispensing device according to the invention, in which a cartridge system is attached, with a vessel for receiving a dental material; and Fig. 2: A schematic perspective view of another dispensing device according to the invention with a transparent lid (dashed line) in which a cartridge system containing the starting components for a dental impression material is inserted and attached.

[0091] Fig. 1 shows (in Fig. Figure 1 (above) shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a dispensing device according to the invention into which a cartridge system 1 can be inserted. The cartridge system 1 can comprise one or more cartridges 2. Each cartridge 2 has a dispensing piston 3 with which a starting component 4 for the production of a dental material can be ejected from the cartridge 2. The cartridge system 1 can contain starting components 4 of a dental material, in particular a dental impression material, which are miscible with the dispensing device, so that the dental material, in particular the dental impression material, is produced. The cartridges 2 can be shown in the plane of the image. Fig. 1 be arranged one after the other, so that in Fig. 1. Only one of the two cartridges 2 is visible, and the other is obscured by the cartridge 2 shown in section. The cartridges 2 are then arranged parallel to each other, analogous to the parallel arrangement according to Fig. 2. However, it is also possible that the cartridge system 1 comprises only one cartridge 2, in which case the starting component 4 is the dental material itself. The cartridge system 1 can be secured in the dispensing device in a desired position and orientation of the cartridge(s) 2 using a holder 6 of the dispensing device.

[0092] The ejection device has a motor 5, which drives the movable, mounted parts within the ejection device to press out the output components 4. The ejection device has a motor controller 7, which controls the motor 5. For this purpose, the motor controller 7 is connected to the motor 5, for example, via a cable and an interface.

[0093] The dispensing device has an actuator 8, which can be designed as a push rod. The actuator 8 can also be implemented by two push rods arranged parallel to each other, in order to dispense the contents of two cartridges 2 arranged parallel to each other. The actuator 8 can be driven by the motor 5. In a preferred embodiment, the motor 5 can be an electric motor, in particular a stepper motor. The motor 5 can be connected to the actuator 8 via a coupling and a gearbox. A drive shaft can also be provided. The actuator 8 can be driven linearly in an axial direction by the motor 5, so that the actuator 8 drives the discharge piston(s) 3 in the cartridge(s) 2.The motor 5 can, for example, drive at least one gear (not shown), wherein the actuator 8 can then preferably have at least one rack or be designed as at least one rack, so that by rotating the at least one gear, the at least one rack and thus the actuator 8 is driven linearly in the axial direction. Other possibilities for driving the actuator 8 with the aid of the motor 5 are generally known and can also be used. For the power supply of the motor 5, an energy storage device in the form of several accumulators or battery cells can be included in the ejection device, or the ejection device can have a mains connection for power supply (not shown). Theoretically, a compressed gas cartridge can also be used as an energy storage device, or a compressed gas connection can be provided if a compressed air motor is used as the motor 5.

[0094] The dispensing device can include a volumetric flow meter with a sensor 9 and / or a sensor 11 and a processor 10, wherein the sensor 9 and / or the sensor 11 can be connected to the processor 10 via a connection 12, such as a cable. The processor 10 is preferably programmed or configured to evaluate the measurement signals of the sensor 9 and / or the sensor 11. The sensor 9 can be arranged in the area of ​​a discharge opening 28 of the dispensing device, through which the dental material (optionally after mixing the starting components 4) is discharged from the dispensing device. The sensor 11 can be a sensor for determining the position and changes in position of the actuator 8, which determines the position of the actuator 8, and from which the processor 10 calculates the volume, volumetric flow rate, and / or the change in volumetric flow rate of the dental material over time.

[0095] Alternatively or additionally, a step counter of motor 5 can also be used as a sensor for the volume flow measuring device.

[0096] An input device 14 in the form of a control panel can be provided on the upper side of the dispensing device. The input device 14 can have several switches, buttons and / or keys 16 as well as a display 18. The display 18 can be a simple display or a touchscreen.

[0097] The input device 14 can be connected to the display 18 and the processor 10. In this way, inputs at the input device 14 can be processed directly by the processor 10. Likewise, information can be displayed to the user by the processor 10 on the display 18. In particular, the dispensing device can have a remaining time calculation module 19, which can be implemented as part of the processor 10. The remaining time calculation module 19 can be programmed, or can be a program structure of the processor 10, to calculate, using a volume of dental material already dispensed (determined via the volumetric flow meter) and a known fill quantity of the unused cartridge system 1, the remaining quantity of the cartridge system 1 currently in use.The residual quantity calculation module 19 can display the result of this calculation on the display 18, thus informing the user about the remaining quantity of dental material in the dispensing device and the cartridge system 1 currently contained in the dispensing device. It can also be provided that a warning message appears if a container (such as a dental impression tray) with a volume too large for the remaining quantity is selected, and / or that a container suitable for the remaining quantity is suggested.

[0098] Preferably, the processor 10 can have or be connected to an electronic memory 21. Pre-programmed dispensing processes can be stored in the electronic memory 21. These pre-programmed dispensing processes can be assigned to specific container sizes (for example, impression trays for dental impression materials), with individual buttons 16 of the input device 14 being assigned to individual pre-programmed dispensing processes. The user can then select a specific dispensing process, in particular a suitable volume, for a specific container using one of the buttons 16, and the dispensing device can subsequently carry out the desired dispensing process by appropriately controlling the motor 5. The dispensing process can be monitored, controlled, and / or regulated by the sensor 9, the sensor 11, and / or the volumetric flow measuring device.

[0099] It may also be provided that the input device 14 with the display 18 is directly connected to the motor control 7.

[0100] The dispensing device can have a housing 20 with a closable lid 22. The lid 22 can be opened via a hinge 24 and closed by pressing the side of the lid 22 opposite the hinge 24 against a stop 26. The housing 20 can also be made of plastic and / or be at least partially transparent to allow the user to visually determine whether a cartridge system 1 is inserted. The housing 20 serves to securely hold the cartridge system 1 during the dispensing process. When the lid 22 is open, the cartridge system 1 can be replaced, and a new cartridge system can be secured in the dispensing device using the holder 6.

[0101] The dispensing device can have a stand (in Fig. 1. The flat underside of the housing 20) provides a surface for setting up the dispensing device. Alternatively, a handle (not shown) for manually holding the dispensing device can be arranged on one side. The dispensing device can thus be designed like a cartridge gun. The user can hold the dispensing device with one hand using the handle. At least one additional button, switch, or trigger can be arranged on the handle as an operating device for the dispensing device. Preferably, however, the dispensing device is a stand-alone unit with an input device 14 on the top of the dispensing device, as shown in Fig. 1 shown.

[0102] At the top of actuator 8 (in Fig. 1 at the left end of the actuator 8) a plate (not shown) can be provided, whereby one side of the plate can exert pressure on the discharge piston 3 of the cartridge system 1 in order to squeeze the output component 4 out of the cartridge 2 of the cartridge system 1 and, if necessary, to apply it as a dental material after mixing.

[0103] The actuator 8 can be displaced axially against the bracket 6 and the housing 20, so that a force can be exerted on a cartridge system 1 attached to the bracket 6 by moving the actuator 8.

[0104] On the front of the dispensing device (in Fig. (1 left) a discharge pipe with an integrated static or active mixer can be arranged, which opens into the discharge opening 28. The contents of the cartridge(s) 2 can be mixed with the mixer during the ejection of the contents of the cartridge(s) 2.

[0105] The cartridges 2 can be connected to each other and to the discharge pipe via a line 30 in the form of a tube. The discharge pipe and the line 30 then form a T-piece that connects the two cartridges 2 and the discharge opening 28.

[0106] By advancing the discharge piston 3 or discharge pistons 3, the contents of the cartridge(s) 2 can be squeezed out through the discharge tube and the discharge opening 28. The discharge piston 2 or discharge pistons 2 can be driven by the actuator 8 of the dispensing device when the cartridge system 1 is connected in the dispensing device.

[0107] The motor 5 can be connected to the housing 20 via a strut 32.

[0108] The dispensing device can include a scanner or an identification sensor 34 with which the inserted cartridge system 1 can be read, identified, or determined. For this purpose, the scanner or identification sensor 34 can be connected to the processor 10. The remaining quantity of contents for the residual quantity calculation module 19 can be determined via the scanner or identification sensor 34. The shelf life or composition of the contents of the cartridge system 1 can also be determined and, if necessary, evaluated or used for other purposes.

[0109] A reader 38 can be arranged on the front of the dispensing device, for example in the form of a scanner (such as a hologram scanner, a QR code scanner, or a barcode scanner) or an RFID reader. The reader 38 can read or retrieve an identifier (such as a hologram, a QR code, a barcode, or an RFID chip) on a container 40, such as a dental impression tray 40. The information can be forwarded to the processor 10 as an input. The processor can then select a desired program from the electronic memory 21 that is suitable for the container 40, such as a specific volume, a specific flow rate, and / or a specific flow rate profile over time. The motor 5 is then controlled by the motor controller 7 according to the program.

[0110] A method according to the invention can proceed as follows, for example: First, a cartridge system 1 with two parallel cartridges 2 is secured in the dispensing device using the holder 6. The lid 22 can then be closed. Using the scanner or identification device 34, an identifier on the cartridge system 1 (for example, a hologram, a barcode, a QR code scanned, or an RFID chip read) can be read and stored in the processor 10 or in the memory 21 of the processor 10. In this way, the dispensing device has information about the contents of the cartridge system 1.

[0111] Subsequently, a specific volume suitable for a particular container 40 or dental impression tray 40 can be selected via the input device 14. Alternatively or additionally, the container 40 to be filled, in particular the dental impression tray 40, can be identified using the reader 38, and a suitable program can be selected or suggested and confirmed via the input device 14. The processor 10 controls the motor controller 7 according to the selected volume, thereby driving the motor 5.

[0112] The motor 5 drives the actuator 8 of the dispensing device, whereby the actuator 8 drives at least one discharge piston 3 or the discharge pistons 3 of the cartridge system 1 in the at least one cartridge 2 of the cartridge system 1.

[0113] Material is expelled from the cartridge system 1 by advancing the discharge piston(s) 3 in the cartridge(s) 2. The contents of the cartridges 2 are mixed in the static mixer in the discharge tube by the pressure on the discharge piston(s) 3, thereby producing the dental material, such as a dental impression material. The dental material is expelled from the cartridges 2 and from the discharge opening 28 and can be filled into the container, in particular the impression tray.

[0114] The amount of dispensed volume and the flow rate of the dental material are monitored by the flow rate measuring device and calculated using processor 10. This determines the volume of dental material dispensed by the dispensing device. The control system, controlled by processor 10, stops the motor 5, and thus the actuator 8 of the dispensing device, when a target volume of dispensed dental material is reached. Additionally, the flow rate of the dispensed dental material can be controlled to set a target flow rate.

[0115] In addition to the volumes and flow rates stored in memory 21, a user-defined volume, flow rate, and flow rate profile can also be saved. This is done by using input device 14 to specify that the subsequent flow rate or flow rate profile should be linked to a previously selected assignment (e.g., a specific button 16). A flow rate or flow rate profile of the dental material is then manually dispensed from cartridge system 1 (e.g., by pressing a specific button 16), and the volume, flow rate, and / or flow rate profile are determined using the flow rate measuring device.Upon completion of the dispensing process, the dispensed quantity (volume) of dental material can be stored in memory 21 and later retrieved and automatically dispensed. Similarly, a specific time-based volume flow profile can be created, saved, and later selected, retrieved, and reproduced.

[0116] A remaining quantity display can also be performed using the remaining quantity calculation module 19.

[0117] The dispensing device can be used to fill a container 40, in particular a dental impression tray 40. A form of dental impression tray 40 according to the invention is described in Fig. 1 shown below. The dental impression tray 40 can have a handle 42 for manually holding and operating the dental impression tray 40 and a cavity 44 for receiving the dental impression material or dental material, which is dispensed with an ejection device according to the invention, such as the one shown in Fig. 1 or the one in Fig. The dispensing device shown in Figure 2 is used. In the dental impression tray 40 according to the invention, a machine-readable identifier 46 is arranged on a surface of the dental impression tray 40. The machine-readable identifier 46 can be read by the reader 38, thereby enabling the dispensing device to receive information about the appropriate volume, the appropriate flow rate, and / or the appropriate timing of the flow rate. Based on this information, the processor then implements the necessary steps for the identified dental impression tray 40. The dental impression tray 40 is then filled at the push of a button or automatically, according to the machine-readable identifier 46.

[0118] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of another dispensing device according to the invention with a transparent lid 72 (in Fig. 2 (shown dashed and transparent), in which a cartridge system 51 containing the starting components for a dental impression material is inserted and attached.

[0119] The cartridge system 51 comprises two cartridges 52, 54 arranged parallel to each other. Each cartridge 52, 54 has a dispensing piston 53, 58 with output components (not shown) for the production of a dental material that can be ejected from the inside of the cartridges 52, 54. The cartridge system 51 contains two output components of a dental material, in particular a dental impression material, which can be dispensed from the cartridges 52, 54 by the dispensing device and mixed in the dispensing device to produce the dental material, in particular the dental impression material. The cartridge system 51 can be fixed in the dispensing device in a desired position and orientation of the cartridges 52, 54 by means of a holder 56 of the dispensing device.

[0120] The ejection device has a motor 55, which drives the movable, mounted parts within the ejection device for pressing out the output components. The essential parts of the motor 55 are in Fig. 2. The motor 55 is concealed and therefore not visible, as it is located inside the dispensing device. The dispensing device has a motor controller 57 with which the motor 55 can be controlled. For this purpose, the motor controller 57 can be connected to the motor 55, for example via a cable and an interface. The motor controller 57 is preferably encapsulated and is preferably located inside the dispensing device.

[0121] The dispensing device has an actuator (in Fig. 2 not visible but analogous Fig. 1), which can be designed as a pair of push rods. The actuator can be implemented by two push rods arranged parallel to each other in order to squeeze out the contents of the cartridges 52, 54 arranged parallel to each other. The actuator can be driven by the motor 55. In a preferred embodiment, the motor 55 can be designed as an electric motor, in particular as a stepper motor. The motor 55 can be connected to the actuator via a coupling and a gearbox. In addition, a drive shaft can also be provided. The actuator can be driven linearly by the motor 55 in an axial direction of the actuator, so that the actuator drives the discharge pistons 53, 58 in the cartridges 52, 54. For the power supply of the motor 55, an energy storage device in the form of several accumulators or battery cells can be included in the dispensing device, or the dispensing device can have a mains connection for power supply (not shown).Theoretically, a compressed gas cartridge can also be used as an energy storage device, or a compressed gas connection can be present if a compressed air motor is used as motor 55.

[0122] The dispensing device can include a volumetric flow meter with a sensor 59 and / or a sensor 61 and a processor, wherein the sensor 59 and / or the sensor 61 can be connected to the processor via a connection, such as a cable. More precisely, the processor is located within the dispensing device and can, for example, be positioned under the housing part 60 to the left of a display 68. The processor is preferably programmed or configured to evaluate the measurement signals of the sensor 59 and / or the sensor 61. The sensor 59 can be located in the area of ​​a discharge opening 78 of the dispensing device, through which the dental material (optionally after mixing the starting components) is discharged from the dispensing device.The sensor 61 can be a sensor for determining the position and the change in position of the actuator or at least one of the discharge pistons 53, 58 of the cartridge system 52, which determines the position of the actuator or the discharge pistons 53, 58, whereby the volume, the volume flow and / or the change in volume flow over time of the dental material is calculated from this by the processor.

[0123] Alternatively or additionally, a step counter of motor 55 can also be used as a sensor for the volume flow measuring device.

[0124] An input device 64 in the form of a control panel can be provided on the upper side of the dispensing device. The input device 64 can have several switches, buttons and / or keys 66 as well as the display 88. The display 68 can be a simple display but could theoretically also be a touchscreen.

[0125] The input device 64 can be connected to the processor via the display 68. In this way, inputs at the input device 64 can be processed directly by the processor. Likewise, information can be displayed to the user by the processor on the display 68. In particular, the dispensing device can have a remaining time calculation module, which can be implemented as part of the processor. The remaining time calculation module can be programmed, or can be a program structure of the processor, to calculate, using a volume of dental material already dispensed (determined via the volumetric flow meter) and a known fill quantity of the unused cartridge system 51, the remaining quantity of the cartridge system 51 currently in use.The remaining quantity calculation module can display the result of this calculation on the display 68 – for example, as a shrinking bar and / or with a color change from green to red – thus informing the user about the remaining quantity of dental material in the dispensing device and the cartridge system 51 currently contained in the dispensing device. It can also be provided that a warning message appears if a container (such as a dental impression tray) with a volume too large for the remaining quantity is selected and / or that a container suitable for the remaining quantity is suggested.

[0126] Preferably, the processor may have or be connected to an electronic memory. Pre-programmed dispensing processes may be programmed in the electronic memory. These pre-programmed dispensing processes may be assigned to specific container sizes (for example, impression trays for dental impression materials), with individual buttons 66 of the input device 64 being assigned to individual pre-programmed dispensing processes. The user can then select a specific dispensing process, in particular a suitable volume, for a specific container using one of the buttons 66, and the dispensing device can subsequently carry out the desired dispensing process by appropriately controlling the motor 55. The dispensing process can be monitored, controlled, and / or regulated by the sensor 59 and / or the volumetric flow measuring device.

[0127] The dispensing device can have a housing 70 with a closable transparent lid 72. The lid 72 can be opened and closed via hinges (not shown) on a lid handle 74. The housing 70 can also be made of plastic and be partially transparent, at least in the area of ​​the lid 72, to allow the user to visually determine whether a cartridge system 51 is inserted or not. The housing 70 serves to securely hold the cartridge system 51 during the dispensing process. When the lid 72 is open, the cartridge system 51 can be replaced, and a new cartridge system can be secured in the dispensing device using the holder 56.

[0128] The dispensing device can have a stand 76 for setting up the dispensing device. Theoretically, a handle (not shown) for manually holding the dispensing device can also be arranged on one side of the dispensing device. Preferably, however, the dispensing device is a stand-alone unit with an input device 64 on the upper side of the dispensing device opposite the stand 76, as shown in Fig. 2 shown.

[0129] A plate (not shown) can be provided at the tip of the actuator, whereby pressure can be exerted on the discharge pistons 53, 58 of the cartridge system 1 with one side of the plate in order to squeeze the starting component out of the cartridge 52, 54 of the cartridge system 51 and to apply it as a dental material after mixing.

[0130] The actuator can be displaceable in an axial direction against the bracket 56 and the housing 70, so that a force can be exerted on a cartridge system 51 attached to the bracket 56 by moving the actuator.

[0131] On the front of the dispensing device (in Fig. 2 (front) a discharge pipe with an integrated static or active mixer can be arranged, which opens into a discharge opening 78. The contents of the cartridges 52, 54 can be mixed by the mixer during the ejection of the contents of the cartridges 52, 54.

[0132] The cartridges 52 and 54 can be connected to each other and to the discharge pipe via lines 80 in the form of pipes. The discharge pipe and the lines 80 then form a pipe system that connects the two cartridges 52 and 54 and the discharge opening 78.

[0133] The dispensing device may include a scanner or an identification sensor (not shown) with which the inserted cartridge system 51 can be read, identified, or determined. The scanner or identification sensor may be connected to the processor for this purpose. The remaining quantity of contents for the residual quantity calculation module 19 can be determined via the scanner or identification sensor. The shelf life or composition of the contents of the cartridge system 51 can also be determined and, if necessary, evaluated or used for other purposes.

[0134] A reader 88, for example in the form of a scanner (such as a hologram scanner, a QR code scanner, or a barcode scanner) or an RFID reader, can be arranged on the front of the dispensing device. The reader 88 can read or retrieve an identifier 46 (such as a hologram, a QR code, a barcode, or an RFID chip) on a container 40, such as a dental impression tray 40. The information can be forwarded to the processor as an input. The processor can then select a desired program from the electronic memory that is suitable for the container 40, such as a specific volume, a specific flow rate, and / or a specific flow rate profile over time. The motor 55 is then controlled by the motor controller 57 according to the program.

[0135] A method according to the invention can proceed as follows, for example: First, a cartridge system 51 with two parallel cartridges 52, 54 is secured in the dispensing device using the holder 56. The lid 72 can then be closed. Using the scanner or identification device, an identifier on the cartridge system 51 (for example, a hologram, a barcode, a QR code, or an RFID chip) can be read and stored in the processor or in the processor's memory. In this way, the dispensing device has information about the contents of the cartridge system 51.

[0136] Subsequently, a specific container or impression tray (see, for example, the input device 64) can be selected for a specific container or impression tray. Fig.1 below) the appropriate volume can be selected. Alternatively or additionally, the reader 88 can be used to detect the container 40 to be filled, in particular the dental impression tray 40, and a suitable program can be selected or suggested and confirmed via the input device 64. The processor controls the motor controller 57 according to the selected volume, thereby driving the motor 55.

[0137] The motor 55 drives the actuator of the dispensing device, whereby the actuator drives the discharge pistons 53, 58 of the cartridge system 51 in the cartridges 52, 54 of the cartridge system 51.

[0138] Material is pressed out of the cartridge system 51 by advancing the discharge pistons 53, 58 in the cartridges 52, 54. The contents of the cartridges 52, 54 are mixed in the static mixer in the discharge tube by the pressure on the discharge pistons 53, 58, thereby producing the dental material, such as a dental impression material. The dental material is pressed out of the cartridges 52, 54 and from the discharge opening 78 and can be filled into the container, in particular the impression tray.

[0139] The amount of dental material dispensed and its flow rate are monitored by the flow rate measuring device and calculated by the processor. This determines the volume of dental material dispensed by the dispensing device. The processor control terminates the drive of motor 55, and thus the actuator of the dispensing device, when a target volume of dispensed dental material is reached. Additionally, the flow rate of the dispensed dental material can be controlled to set a target flow rate.

[0140] In addition to the volumes and flow rates stored in the memory, a user-defined volume, flow rate, and flow rate profile can also be saved. This is done by using input device 64 to specify that the subsequent flow rate or flow rate profile should be linked to a previously selected assignment (for example, a specific button 66). A volume, flow rate, and / or flow rate profile of the dental material is then manually dispensed from the cartridge system 51 (for example, by pressing a specific button 66), and the volume and / or flow rate is determined using the flow rate measuring device. Upon completion of the dispensing process, the dispensed quantity (volume) of the dental material can be saved in the memory and later retrieved and automatically dispensed.Similarly, a specific temporal volume flow profile can be generated, saved, and later selected, retrieved, and reproduced.

[0141] The features of the invention disclosed in the preceding description, as well as in the claims, figures and embodiments, can be essential for the realization of the invention in its various embodiments, both individually and in any combination. Reference symbol list 1.51 cartridge system 2, 52, 54 cartridge 3, 53, 58 discharge pistons 4 Starting component for dental material 5.55 engine 6.56 bracket 7.57 Engine control 8 Actuator 9.59 Sensor 10 processor 11, 61 Sensor 12 Connection / Line 14, 64 Input device 16, 66 keys 18.68 Advertisement 19 Remaining time calculation module 20, 70 cases 21 storage 22, 72 lids 24 hinge 26 attacks 28, 78 Exit opening 30, 80 line 32 strut 34 scanners / identification sensor 38, 88 Reader 40 Containers / Dental Impression Trays 42 handle 44 Cavity 46 identifier 60 Case part above the processor 74 Lid handle 76 Stand

Claims

[1] Extrusion device for extruding a dental material, in particular a dental impression material, from a cartridge system (1, 51), the extrusion device comprising a motor (5, 55), in particular a stepper motor, the extrusion device further comprising a holder (6, 56) for fastening a cartridge system (1, 51), a motor controller (7, 57), an actuator (8) and a volume flow measuring device for determining a volume flow of a dental material extruded from the extrusion device, wherein at least one discharge piston (3, 53, 58) of a cartridge system (1, 51) fastened to the holder (6, 56) in the extrusion device can be driven by the actuator (8), wherein the actuator (8) can be driven by the motor (5, 55) or a mechanically transmitted drive of the actuator (8) can be supported by the motor (5, 55), wherein the Volume flow measuring device has at least one sensor (9, 11, 59, 61), wherein the at least one sensor (9, 11,59, 61) is connected to a processor (10) for evaluating measurement signals from the at least one sensor (9, 11, 59, 61), wherein the processor (10) is connected to the motor control (7, 57), and wherein the processor (10) is designed or programmed to evaluate the measurement signals in such a way that the volume flow of the dental material pressed out of the cartridge system (1, 51) by advancing the at least one dispensing piston (3, 53, 58) can be determined. [2] Squeezing device according to claim 1, characterized bythat the at least one sensor (9, 11, 59, 61) is or has a volume flow sensor, a step counter for determining the number of revolutions of the motor (5, 55), in particular a step counter for determining the number of steps of the stepper motor, and / or a position sensor for determining the position of the at least one dispensing piston (3, 53, 58) and / or the actuator (8) relative to the holder (6, 56) for fastening the cartridge system (1, 51), wherein the pressed-out volume of the dental material can be determined by measuring the volume flow of the dental material with the volume flow sensor and / or by determining the number of revolutions of the motor (5, 55) or the steps of the stepper motor and a known volume of the pressed-out dental material per revolution of the motor (5, 55) or per step of the stepper motor and / or by determining the position of the at least one Discharge piston (3, 53,58) and / or the actuator (8) and a known volume of the pressed-out dental material per unit length of the position of the at least one discharge piston (3, 53, 58) and / or the actuator (8) relative to the holder (6, 56). [3] Squeezing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the squeezing device has a volume flow regulator, wherein the volume flow regulator is connected to the volume flow measuring device and the motor control (7, 57) and wherein a volume of the dental material to be pressed out of the squeezing device can be regulated and / or adjusted with the volume flow regulator and / or a volume flow of the dental material pressed out of the squeezing device can be regulated and / or adjusted with the volume flow regulator. [4] Squeezing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the squeezing device has an electronic memory (21) and an input device (14, 64), wherein a plurality of different volumes can be selected via the input device (14, 64) and, with the aid of the motor control (7, 57), the selected volumes can be pressed out fully automatically with the squeezing device from a cartridge system (1, 51) fastened in the squeezing device by means of the holder (6, 56). [5] Squeezing device according to claim 4, characterized bythat the plurality of different volumes that can be selected via the input device (14, 64) can be identified on the input device (14, 64) by means of an identification of a vessel (40) to be filled with the dental material, in particular by means of a numbering and / or letter identification of the vessel (40) to be filled with the dental material, so that the input is clearly assigned to a vessel (40) with a suitable volume for receiving the dental material, wherein the vessel is preferably an impression tray (40) and the dental material is a dental impression material. [6] Squeezing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the squeezing device has a residual quantity display (18, 68) and a residual quantity calculation module (19), wherein the residual quantity calculation module (19) is connected to the volume flow measuring device and wherein the residual quantity calculation module (19) is programmed in such a way that it determines, stores or reads the volume of dental material that can be produced with the cartridge system (1, 51) fastened in the holder (6, 56) in the completely filled state, or this can be defined by an input and subtracts the volume previously produced with this cartridge system (1, 51) from this producible volume in order to calculate a residual quantity, wherein the residual quantity calculated with the residual quantity calculation module (19) can be displayed on the residual quantity display (18, 68), wherein preferably the residual quantity calculation module (19) is programmed in such a way that, in the case of a small calculated residual quantity, it selects a suitable vessel (40), in particular a dental impression tray (40), with a receiving volume suitable for the remaining residual quantity and suggests the suitable vessel (40) on the residual quantity display (18, 68), and / or the residual quantity calculation module (19) is programmed such that when a volume to be pressed out is selected which, according to the calculated residual quantity, is no longer contained in the attached cartridge system (1, 51) or can be produced therewith, a corresponding message is displayed on the residual quantity display (18, 68), in particular a request to change the cartridge system (1, 51), and / or a maximum available volume of the dental material is displayed. [7] Squeezing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the squeezing device has a scanner for reading in an identifier of the cartridge system (1, 51) fastened to the holder (6, 56) or an identification sensor (34) for identifying the cartridge system (1, 51) fastened to the holder (6, 56), wherein preferably the identifier read in by the scanner or the identification determined by the identification sensor (34) can be transmitted to the processor (10) or to the residual quantity calculation module (19) for identifying the contents of the cartridge system (1, 51) and / or the volume of dental material that can be produced with the cartridge system (1, 51). [8] Squeezing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the squeezing device is suitable for squeezing cartridge systems (1, 51) for dental impression materials, in particular two-component cartridges for dental impression materials, wherein preferably the cartridge system (1, 51) provides a volume between 100 ml and 1000 ml of the dental impression material, particularly preferably a volume between 250 ml and 600 ml of the dental impression material, very particularly preferably a volume between 300 ml and 500 ml of the dental impression material. [9] Squeezing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the squeezing device is suitable at least for squeezing cartridge systems (1, 51) at least for dental impression materials of type 1 and / or type 2 according to DIN ISO 4823:2015. [10] Squeezing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the squeezing device has a reading device (38, 88) for reading in an identifier (46) of a vessel (40), in particular of a dental impression tray (40), wherein the reading device (38, 88) is connected to the processor (10) and the processor (10) is programmed in such a way that, depending on the vessel (40) recognized by the reading device (38, 88), in particular of the recognized dental impression tray (40), a volume, a volume flow rate and / or a time profile of the volume flow suitable for the recognized vessel (40), in particular of the recognized dental impression tray (40), can be selected and provided by corresponding control of the motor (5, 55). [11] Method for squeezing a dental material, in particular a dental impression material, from a cartridge system (1, 51) using a squeezing device, characterized by the steps Attaching the cartridge system (1, 51) in the dispensing device, Driving an actuator (8) of the squeezing device with a motor (5, 55), wherein at least one dispensing piston (3, 53, 58) of the cartridge system (1, 51) is driven forward in at least one cartridge (2, 52, 54) of the cartridge system (1, 51) by means of the actuator (8), Extruding a dental material or starting components of the dental material from the cartridge system (1, 51) by advancing the at least one dispensing piston (3, 53, 58) in the at least one cartridge (2, 52, 54), wherein the dental material is pressed out of the at least one cartridge (2, 52, 54) or is produced and pressed out by mixing the starting components from the at least one cartridge (2, 52, 54), Measuring the volume flow of the dental material pressed out with the dispensing device and determining the volume of the dental material pressed out with the dispensing device, and Stopping the driving of the actuator (8) of the squeezing device when a target volume of the pressed-out dental material is reached and / or controlling the volume flow of the pressed-out dental material to set a target volume flow of the pressed-out dental material or to set a desired time profile of the volume flow of the pressed-out dental material. [12] Method according to claim 11, characterized by that the method is carried out with a pressing device according to one of claims 1 to 11. [13] Method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized bythat the target volume and / or the target volume flow and / or the desired time course of the volume flow is or are determined and defined by a prior pressing out of dental material with manual settings and measurement of the volume flow and / or the volume, wherein preferably the target volume and / or the target volume flow and / or the desired time course of the volume flow is or are stored in an electronic memory (21) in a retrievable manner, wherein particularly preferably the time course of the pressing out process is additionally stored in the electronic memory. [14] Method according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized bythat the target volume is selected from a plurality of previously stored target volumes, preferably selected to match a plurality of vessels (40) for receiving the dental material, and / or the target volume flow is selected from a plurality of previously stored target volume flows, preferably selected to match a plurality of vessels (40) for receiving the dental material, and / or the desired temporal sequence of the volume flow is selected from a plurality of previously stored temporal sequences of volume flows, preferably selected to match a plurality of vessels (40) for receiving the dental material. [15] Method according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized bythat the volume of dental material pressed out with the squeezing device, determined by measuring the volume flow and / or the volume and / or the time profile of the volume flow, is mathematically subtracted from a known residual quantity of the available dental material that can be pressed out of the cartridge system (1, 51) fastened in the squeezing device, and the remaining residual quantity is shown on a display (18, 68) and / or is taken into account in a subsequent squeezing process in such a way that the squeezing process is only started when a sufficient residual quantity for the volume of dental material to be pressed out is available in the cartridge system (1, 51) and otherwise a warning or a request to change the cartridge system (1, 51) is displayed. [16] Method according to one of claims 11 to 15, characterized bythat the squeezing device has a scanner for reading in an identifier (46) of the cartridge system (1, 51) fastened in the holder (6, 56) or an identification sensor (34) for identifying the cartridge system (1, 51) fastened in the holder (6, 56), wherein the identifier (46) of the cartridge system (1, 51) is read in by the scanner or the identification of the cartridge system (1, 51) is determined with the identification sensor (34) and then the identifier (46) or the identification is used to identify the content of the cartridge system (1, 51) and / or the volume of dental material that can be produced with the cartridge system (1, 51), wherein preferably the identifier or the identification is used during the squeezing process, at the start of the squeezing process and / or during a calculation of the volume of dental material stored in the cartridge system (1,51) available remaining quantity is taken into account and / or the squeezing device has a reader (38) for reading a machine-readable identifier (46) of a vessel (40), in particular a dental impression tray (40), wherein the identifier (46) is read in and subsequently the identifier (46) is used to identify the vessel (40), in particular a shape or a volume of a cavity (44) of the dental impression tray (40) as a vessel (40), wherein the target volume, the volume flow and / or the temporal course of the volume flow of the dental material is set or controlled depending on the identifier (46) of the vessel (40). [17] Dental impression tray (40) for receiving a dental impression material, the dental impression tray comprising a handle (42) for holding the dental impression tray (40) and a cavity (44) for receiving the dental impression material, the dental impression tray (40) comprising a machine-readable identifier (46) which is arranged on an outwardly directed surface of the dental impression tray (40), preferably on a side of the surface of the impression tray (40) opposite the handle (42), characterized by that the machine-readable identifier (46) contains information from which the geometric shape, volume, length and / or width of the cavity (44) can be read. [18] Dental impression tray (40) according to claim 17, characterized bythat the machine-readable identifier (46) is a hologram, a barcode, a QR code, a machine-readable label, a graphic print, a machine-readable sticker or an RFID chip, preferably a hologram, a barcode, a QR code or an RFID chip. [19] A plurality of dental impression trays (40) according to one of claims 17 or 18, characterized by that each dental impression tray (40) has a different machine-readable identifier (46) which allows recognition of the shape and / or volume of the cavity. [20] System for taking an impression with a dental impression material comprising a squeezing device according to claim 10 and comprising at least one dental impression tray (40) according to claim 17 or 18 or a plurality of dental impression trays (40) according to claim 19.

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